Advocacy

The Cancer Society of New Zealand is a non-profit organisation which receives no direct financial support from Government. This ensures we can inform and lobby the Government for the best services for people affected by cancer and influence policy that reduces cancer risks.

Our aim is to reduce the number of people affected by cancer by reducing cancer risks and increasing the health, wellbeing and quality of life for people living with cancer. Advocacy is an essential and powerful tool in all areas of the work we do, from funding research that identifies new treatments and quality of life issues to lobbying for patient rights and healthy public policy such as Tobacco Control and sunbed legislation.

Communicating is also an essential element of our work, as it helps us to shine the spotlight on issues, such as the need for better services, treatments and funding. It also helps us to raise awareness about cancer, and the fact that our services are there for people affected by cancer.

We communicate regularly with patients and their families/friends, medical professionals, volunteers, the media, representatives of Government, local community leaders, and many other organisations and individuals to improve the situation for those affected by cancer.

We also work in collaboration with many organisations and groups that focus on public health and health promotion initiatives that aim to reduce chronic diseases and cancer risks.

The group was formed in 2007 in an effort to increase collaboration among cancer charities. Chief Executives of member organisations meet quarterly to discuss key issues facing the sector, meet and share information with representatives from the Ministry of Health, Cancer Control New Zealand, and others working in cancer-related areas. The group works together on specific initiatives that reflect the shared goal of all members to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer on New Zealanders.

Submissions

The Cancer Society regularly makes submissions to government and other organisations advocating for what they believe is best practice for good health outcomes.